AHEPAAHEPA YankeeYankee DistrictDistrict NewsNews Publication of District #7 (Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Western Massachusetts)

VoluVolumeme XLXLIIX Number 1 Sprinpringg 20020099

Message from the families. Message from the Order of AHEPA Manolis Sfinarolakis, our 2009 Daughters of Penelope District Governor New York City Parade coordinator has Grand Governor Zone I Dear Brothers, called the chapters to action with an Dear Sisters of Yankee District #7, It has been an exciting half email message that is re-printed I would first like to extend my year! The coming of Spring elsewhere in this issue. Please re- greetings to all of you and hope that should give us renewed desire spond to his request in a positive and your year is going well. Secondly, I have listed below some pertinent and greater opportunities to grow timely manner. The proposed parade bus trip promises to be a highlight of information, forms, and dates to as- and improve our organization. For sist you. Lastly, the forms were sent the year. a while now, we have highlighted to all Chapter Presidents in January the handful of things each chapter The rules for the Hellenic History if you have not received them please needs to focus on: Trophy will be published shortly. call headquarters (202) 234-9741 or • Increase membership by hold- Please participate! Our youth’s edu- visit DOP website at ing a recruitment event before cation in the history of the Hellenes is http://www.ahepa.org/dop. June and by constantly asking too important to ignore! Membership- Applications and people to JOIN AHEPA !!! While Rhode Island’s two Con- brochures are available online and from DOP Headquarters. The • Send $50 for the New York City gressmen are members of the Hel- lenic Caucus, none of Connecticut’s Growth & Expansion Bulletin is avail- Parade float and commit to at able online or contact Grand Vice five is. I challenge each Connecticut least 5 marchers (bus passen- President Elaine Sampanis at JU- gers) to Manolis Sfinarolakis, chapter to work with the other chap- [email protected] our Yankee District #7 Inde- ters in its congressional district to Forms- for 2009 Obligations, Su- pendence Day Parade Coordi- arrange for a meeting with its US preme Convention Committees and nator Representative and convince him/her Awards have been sent out to all • Commit to support the HEL- to join the Hellenic Caucus. Please chapters and these are also available LENIC HISTORY TROPHY by (1) invite me to join your delegations. on the website. Committee reports are to be sent first to the District for energizing your community’s Chapter visitations continue to be a very important part of my responsi- review at the District Convention. high school students, and (2) Chapter obligations for 2009 bilities as your Governor. So far, I sponsoring the students who should be sent in as soon as possible sign up have had the pleasure and the privi- to DOP Headquarters. • Convince your Congressman to lege of visiting the following chap- National Projects– we selected join the Hellenic Caucus ters: Norwich, Stamford, Hartford, four mandatory charity projects for Our district’s membership grew Danbury, Waterbury, Bridgeport, New the 2009 obligations year. They are: in 2008, both through initiations London and New Britain. That leaves • Daughters of Penelope Foundation, Inc. and also by reinstating many Norwalk, New Haven, Meriden, • Penelope House Family Violence Center brothers who had been Danielson, Providence and Newport. I • Penelopean Foundation Day Care Cen- “misplaced” in previous years. would really like to visit every chap- ter • University of Miami, Sylvester Cancer To continue to grow member- ter before the Tri-District Convention Research Center (Papanicolaou) ship in 2009, we need to focus on next June, so please invite me, if you haven't already! Please feel free to contact me at initiating new members. The easi- anytime should you have questions est and fastest way to do this is to Please make every effort to at- or need my assistance. hold a recruitment event. All tend our Spring Conference on April With Respect in Theta Pi, chapters should strive to reach a 25 in Bridgeport. Anna-Helene Panagakos minimum of 10% “market pene- Fraternally, District #7 Liaison tration” of their community’s Nicholas Nikas (917)836-7684 [email protected] 1 Spring 2009

New England Regional Upcoming Events AHEPA Convention X By George Anagnostos Waterbury This year’s, District Convention will Sons of Pericles be held with Districts #8 and #9 in 2nd Annual Hall of Fame AHEPA District #7 Mansfield, MA. Located conveniently Banquet off of Interstate –95 and I-495. District Lodge Officers Sunday, April 5, 2009 12PM In March, every chapter president 2008—2009 Holy Trinity Greek Church and secretary, every Past District Waterbury, CT District Governor Governor, all the District Lodge mem-

Nicholas Nikas bers and those who have attended 58 Benjamin Street the previous New England Regional Greek Independence Day Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Parade 203-554-5570 Conventions (NERC) will be sent the Sunday, April 26, 2009 1PM [email protected] forms and full information individu- ally. 5th Avenue District Lt. Governor Therefore, the District Lodge New York City, NY Emmanuel Moshovos should provide updated names and 65 Primrose Drive AHEPA Bridgeport East Hartford, CT 06118 address for the members; all chapter 860 568 4383 presidents' and secretaries' names Chapter #62 [email protected] and addresses (ID'd by chapter). As 84th Chapter Anniversary well as, updated Past District Gover- Saturday, May 16, 2009 District Secretary nor lists and provide any names and 8:30 PM Jack Isaac addresses of those other members 15 Sylvan Road Holy Trinity Greek Church New Britain, CT 06053 who might be interested in attending Bridgeport, CT 860 224-2183 the NERC. These persons will be per- sonally provided forms and informa- 7th Annual Greek Night District Treasurer tion on the NERC sometime in March, With the New York Mets John G. Grossomanides Sr. not all at the same time. PDG Friday, May 29, 2009 7PM This information should be sent to 8 Mohegan Trail Citibank Park G. Anagnostos, 158 Ethel Drive, Westerly, RI 02891 Flushing, NY Portsmouth, RI as soon as possible. 401-596-7453 The Lodge is asked to coordinate who District Marshal will provide which of the above data. District #6 Convention James J. Cocolis The election of delegates should May 30, 2009 192 North Street be conducted in the March or April Laguardia Holiday Inn Stamford, CT 06802 Flushing, NY 203-323-9608 meeting and provided to the District [email protected] Secretary promptly with full data. The Secretary should compile the re- AHEPA New England District Warden port and provide a best estimate of Regional Conference X Gregory G. Benios how many delegates are expected to June 5,6,7, 2009 10 Valley View Dr. attend and denote whether for the Farmington, CT 06032 Holiday Inn Hotel 860-680-2363 full weekend or just for the Yankee Mansfield, MA District #7 meeting day, Saturday. District Advisor This year’s business has several AHEPA Kip G. Kyprianou, PDG very important issues to be voted on: Supreme Convention 2009 [email protected] increasing the District Scholarship July 1-5, 2009 Hellenic Affairs Chair from a two year allocation to a three Hyatt Regency Embarcadaro George A. Rados, PDG year, if criteria are met. San Francisco, CA 7 Cheryl Court Also, a proposal to increase the Cromwell, CT 06416 AHEPA DISTRICT DUES from $7.75 860-635-5602 per person to $15 per person from [email protected] each chapter.

Finally, we will have election of District Foundation Board Members.

2 Spring 2009

New York City In Memoriam Greek Independence Day Parade 2009 Brother Past District Governor George H. Mehos of Weston, CT Association, where we can get well Dear Brother Ahepan, passed away on January 5, 2009. prepared Greek food at very reason- The Greek Independence Day He served in the military, US able prices ($20). Parade in New York will be held Army during World War II 25th Important items to note: on April 26, 2009. This year, the Cavalry Reconnaissance Squad- Time: The parade starts at 1 p.m. Supreme Lodge is planning to ron. He was awarded a Bronze on Sunday April 26th, 2009 march with us again, but we all Star for Valor and five Battle Place: Fifth Avenue at 61st Street, hope to significantly increase the Stars: Normandy, Battle of the New York, NY (more specifics as we number of AHEPA marchers from Bulge, Rhineland, Northern get closer to April 26) 60 last year to over 100. This France, and Central Europe. would renew the respect for Dress Code: Blue suit, white shirt, George owned and operated AHEPA among the other mem- tie, and Ahepa jewels if applicable the Roodner Feed Company for bers of the Federation of Hellenic What each chapter needs to do: over 40 years until his retire- Societies of Greater New York As soon as possible: As your ment. He was a member of the and would increase the chances chapter’s fair share of the cost of the Norwalk chapter where he served that we would be among the first float, please send a check for $50 as Chapter President and then groups to march in the parade in made out to AHEPA District #7 to served on the District working his the years to come. We are work- District #7 Treas. John G. Grosso- way up to District Governor of ing closely with our brothers manides 8 Mohegan Trail Westerly District #7. from District 6 (New York) and RI 02891. District 5 (New Jersey and Dela- By February 28: Please communi- Brother Past District Governor ware) to coordinate a great turn- cate your commitment for at least 5 C. Charles Chekas, 86 of Mid- out. As we did last year, we will bus passengers to Manolis Sfi- dlebury, CT passed away on De- contribute $500 towards the op- narolakis, phone: 203-232-2462, or cember 22, 2008. A life mem- erating cost of the float to get email: mano- ber of the Waterbury Chapter our District’s name on it, as well [email protected]. #48, he served as Chapter Presi- as the name of a deceased By March 20: If we get the re- dent before working his way up Brother we want to honor. quired number of committed pas- to District Governor of District To make the trip as easy and sengers, we will need to pay for the #7, where he served from 1964- as fun as possible for the maxi- bus in full 30 days before the pa- 1965. mum number of Ahepans in our rade. Please send your chapter’s He was also active in the Holy District, we plan the following: passenger names and a check for Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of • Coach Bus Rental: Assum- their total bus fare (see bus cost per Waterbury CT serving as Parish ing we get enough commitments person above) made out to AHEPA Council President. He served on from the chapters, we will hire a District #7 to Manolis Sfinarolakis, the Board of Trustees of the bus to drive along interstate I-95 70 Arrowhead Way, Woodbury, CT State of Connecticut Community from New London (Niantic) to 06798. and Technical Colleges. He re- Manhattan and make stops along By March 31: Please communicate tired as a professor emeritus your nomination (with supporting the way to pick up Ahepans from from the Waterbury State Techni- reasons) for the deceased Brother other chapters. At this point, we cal College where he worked for plan to have stops in New Haven whose name should appear on the more than 25 years. (Orange) and Stamford, but float to Manolis Sfinarolakis, phone: Brother Ilias Nousiopoulos other stops might be arranged if 203-232-2462, or email: mano- of the Rose of New England desired. Assuming we can get a [email protected]. If we Chapter #110 Norwich, CT receive more than one nomination, minimum of 5 people per chap- passed away on November 18, the District Lodge will pick the name ter, the RT cost per person is ex- 2008. based on the supporting reasons pected to be $40 from New Lon- May their Memory be Eternal don, $30 from New Haven, and provided by the chapters.you $20 from Stamford. Hope to see you all in New York on Lunch after Parade: On the April 26! way back, we will have a late Fraternally, Manolis Sfinarolakis lunch / early dinner at the club Greek Independence Day Parade Co- house of the Stamford Hellenic ordinator AHEPA Yankee District #7 3 Spring 2009

AHEPA Chapter #99 The pivotal role of on the side of the Allies in World War II is Stamford, CT little known in this country. Even In November 2008, our chapter some Americans of Hellenic origin sponsored a free showing of the are not familiar with it. To help rem- DVD “The Journey: The Greek edy this situation, and in preparation American Dream” as part of our for the 68th anniversary of the he- efforts to bring cultural, musical roic involvement of Greece in World and educational events aimed at War II on October 28, 1944, the promoting our Hellenic heritage. Stamford AHEPA and the Church of “The Journey” is a rich story the Archangels presented “The Story wonderfully told and revealed by of OXI”, a multimedia presentation film director Maria Iliou in a by Dr. Angelo Athanasopoulos, on documentary that made its debut Friday, October 3. at the Benaki Museum and has been shown at the Met- Dr. Athanasopoulos is an ener- ropolitan Mu- getic and engaging speaker who seum of Art in uses computer technology to make New York, the his presentations come alive. He has American Film been our most popular lecturer in Institute in the last 8 years. This was his 8th Washington, Modern Greek history presentation DC and the to our community. People find his Museum of lectures both informative and enter- Photo (L-R): Chapter 99 Presi- Fine Arts in taining. dent Dr. Arthur Kiratsous; Dr. Boston. Based on material gath- Dr. Athanasopoulos reviewed the Angelo Athanasopoulos ered from archives throughout rise of to power and the U.S., the documentary is the the challenge presented to him by result of three years of work by Mussolini. He showed actual video Sons of Pericles Ms. Iliou and her colleagues. It clips and photos illustrating the war Waterbury, CT documents the history of Greek against the Italians in Albania. He The Waterbury Sons of Peri- immigrants in the U.S. from the highlighted the important role of cles are proud to announce the start of the 19th Century until women, mostly mothers of soldiers, recipient of their 2nd Annual Hall 1980 and was selected by the who kept the troops supplied by car- of Fame Award: Mr. Elias Pa- American Film Institute as one of rying food and ammunition on their poutsis. Elias has been a de- the best European films of 2007 backs through the snow in the voted member of the Holy Trinity as well as receiving the Special mountains. Using maps and ani- Waterbury community for many Jury Award for “Best Documen- mated slides, he explained the sub- years, and has dedicated himself tary” at the International Film sequent engagement against the tirelessly as the Church's beloved Festival in Houston in April 2008. Germans in the “ Battle of the Psalti. We thank Elias for his care Over 90 attendees from the Forts”, ending with the eventual col- and devotion, and ask that you greater Stamford area and lapse of the war front. join us in honoring him. throughout the New York, New An enthusiastic audience of A banquet will be held on Jersey and Connecticut metro- about 60 people from Stamford and Sunday, April 5th immediately politan area attended this neighboring communities, includ- following event. The response to the ing Brother Kip Kyprianou, PDG, church. Prices screening was extremely enthu- from Danbury, continued asking are as follows: siastic and thru our fund-raising questions on this very important as- Fish Dinner: raffle, we were able to raise a pect of Modern Greek and world his- $15 Pre-Sale, significant amount for our schol- tory well past 10:30 pm. $20 at the arship fund. More than thirty Door Pasta: copies of the DVD were pur- $8 Pre-sale, chased by attendees also result- $10 at the ing in a donation to Proteus, the Door charitable organization which produced the DVD, of over $900.

4 Spring 2009

AHEPA Chapter #62 Bridgeport, CT The Order of AHEPA Chapter #62, Yankee District #7 is proud to announce the celebration of their 84th anniversary as an AHEPA Chapter in Bridgeport, CT. The Chapter, in conjunction with its 84th Anniversary, an- nounces its Spring Dance to be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009 in the Aegean Room of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (4070 Park Ave. Bridgeport, CT) from 8:30PM to1:00AM. The dance will be caberet-style with the Chapter providing all the set ups and a Venetian hour. You are welcomed to bring your own food and wine/liquor. Greek and American music Bridgeport Chapter #62, new initiates (Left to right) Michael Bouloubasis, will be featured by DJ Nixtas, Nicholas Daniolos, John Frangenes-Chapter President, Demetri Raptopoulos along with a floor show by world champion ballroom dancing cou- nes announced that two members Norwich. ple Christian Lange and Julia would be initiated at December Prior to this we initiated two Mincheva. meeting which will bring our chapter brother’s both in their early 20’s Tickets are $25 and can be total membership to over 81 mem- Jason and Joshua Bakoulis from purchased by contacting Brother bers, an increase of 20% over the Norwich. The Bakoulis’s repre- Gus Vlastaris at 203-929-3573 or last ten years. In November 2008, sent 3 generations of Ahepans in Brother George Christopoulos at the Chapter sponsored their annual their family. Also, the Daniska’s 203-929-3937 by April 1, 2009. Roast Chicken Dinner with all pro- are representing four generations Please note, no tickets will be ceeds going to their scholarship of AHEPANs. sold at the door. fund. In December 2008, the In the Proceeds of this event to AHEPANS and the Daughters of Spring of 2009 benefit the Chapter Scholarship Penelope will hold their joint annual we are plan- Fund. Christmas Party at the Stone Barn in ning a fund- On September 17, 2008 Monroe, CT. raising dinner Bridgeport, CT Chapter #62 to benefit Coo- hosted a dinner for the Daugh- AHEPA Chapter #110 ley’s Anemia. ters of Penelope at the Holy Trin- Rose of New England Our chapter is ity Greek Orthodox Church as a also planning a get-together for the start of their Norwich, CT Truck Raffle in By George Grossomanides new year. The guest speaker of The Chapter has been busy re- the summer which in the past has the evening was the Supreme cruiting and initiating new brothers been highly successful for our Secretary Dr. John Grosso- for the past 12 months, we are for- chapter. Our three Senior Hous- manides and District Treasurer tunate to initiate eight new mem- ing Buildings are fully occupied John G. Grossomanides. At the bers in 2008. We have now reached and we are in the process of rais- October 15, 2008 meeting, the ing money for an enclosure for 86 members on the rolls. Most re- chapter invited District Governor the patio behind Building Two. cently we initiated 2 energetic 20 Nick Nikas to assist in the initia- year old young men Costas Zar- Also, the Chapter held a tion of three new members, Mi- boutis who is a senior majoring in Christmas Party on December 30, chael Bouloubasis, Nicholas Dani- Chemistry at University of Connecti- 2009 which was open to olos, and Demetri Raptopoulos. cut and resides in Columbia, CT and AHEPANS and spouses. A good Chapter President John Frange- time was had by all. Costas Konstandinis is a EMT from

5

Brother Greg Stamos of New Haven speaks to the District about the AHEPA National Basketball Program and its trip to Greece. District Governor Nicholas Nikas address AHEPAs and Daughters of Penelope at the Fall Conference hosted by Chapter #98 New Haven.

PDGs Ellen and George Anagnostos of Newport at the Fall District District Lodge: District Lt. Governor Mo Moshovos, District Secre- Conference in New Haven. tary Jack Isaac, and District Treasurer John G. Grossomanides

Supreme Secretary John Grossomanides and PSG The Daughters of Penelope were well represented at the Fall Spiro Vasilakis at the ΣΕΑ meeting in Chicago, IL. Conference. 6 Spring 2009

(L-R) PSG Gus Hazifotis, Supreme Treasurer Anthony Kouzounis, Daughters of Penelope at the District #7 Fall Conference Supreme Secretary John Grossomanides, and Past Supreme President Andrew Banis at the AHEPA Western Leadership Conference in Reno, NV held in October.

Brother Jerry Copsinis President of the Hartford Chapter #58 at the District #7 Fall Conference

John G. Grossomanides at the Tomb of the Un- known Soldier at Syntagma Square in Athens, Greece.

Scenes from Epiphany in Tarpon Springs, FL on January 6, 2009: Can you find John G.? 7 Spring 2009

The Bakoulis Family and new initiate Costa Konstandinis of Norwich Chapter #110 L-R: Virginia Vallas, Heidi Petros, Anna-Helene Pana- gakos and Liz Louziotis at the Norwich AHEPA Chapter Christmas

Norwich #110 (L-R): Peter Argiros, Sot Daniska, Joe Hominski, Tony Vallas, Peter Patsouris, Steve Pat- souris, Anthony Neigel, Larry Wyland, and PDG Tony L-R: Supreme Secretary John Grossomanides, new Petros initiate Costas Zarboutis, Norwich #110 Vice President Peter Patsouris, Costas Konstandinis, and Past District Governor Anthony Petros at the December Chapter meeting and Initiation.

L-R: Ginny and Peter Argiros and Celia Grosso- manides 8 Spring 2009

2008 AHEPA NATIONAL Τά νέα Membership HOUSING CORPORATION Χρονια Πολλα!&Happy Birthday to Statistics AWARDS Brother Alex Vlantes, who cele- The Supreme Headquarters By Anthony Petros brated his 92nd Birthday on No- has recently released the mem- The AHEPA National Housing vember 1st! bership numbers for the year Corporation (ANHC) was awarded 2 Χρονια Πολλα!&Happy Birthday to ending. The “Top 10” District more grants on January 16, 2009, Sotero Daniska who celebrated #7 AHEPA Chapters in terms of from the Department of Housing his 81st Birthday on February 22, membership on December 31, and Urban Development, bringing 2009 2008 are: our total projects to 88 Brother Mike Zotos, Danbury 1. Chpt 110 Norwich—86 with 4,695 apartments. #90, past Superintendent and retiree from State of Connecticut 2. Chpt 62 Bridgeport– 80 The Mobile, Ala- Department of Education is now 3. Chpt 48 Waterbury– 66 bama AHEPA Chapter living in St. Augustine, FL 4. Chpt 106 Providence– 66 310 received a 39 unit Get Well Soon to Peter Argi- 5. Chpt 99 Stamford– 54 project - their 12th ros, Viola Trantalis, Peter 6. Chpt 117 New Britain– 52 one. While the New Pappas, and Steve Grosso- 7. Chpt 245 Newport– 51 London Chapter 250 received a 52 manides, Sr.! 8. Chpt 418 Danielson– 46 unit project - their 5th. 9. Chpt 98 New Haven– 41 Traveling to Florida, many Congratulations to all those 10. Chpt 58 Hartford– 40 Brothers and Sisters are snow whose hard work made it possi- Statistics for 2007 , top birding in the Sunshine State: ble. Five other chapters had appli- Chapters membership counts: Tony and Heidi Petros, Bob cations, but were not successful, 1. Chpt 110, Norwich, CT-84 and Kaye Booth, Helene this year. 2. Chpt 62, Bridgeport, CT—74 Moran, Bill and Elaine Tran- 3. Chpt 106, Providence, RI—71 talis 4. Chpt 99, Stamford, CT-55 News, news, news 5. Chpt 117, New Britain, CT-53 As always if you have any news Editors Note: 6. Chpt 245, Newport, RI-51 please email it to us. Please send Think San Francisco, We need 7. Chpt 58, Hartford, CT-47 pictures electronically via email. to have a strong showing at the 8. Chpt 48, Waterbury, CT-46 Any chapter news is welcome, en- Supreme Convention in July. Our 9. Chpt 418, Danielson, CT-40 gagements, marriages, new babies, goal is to have 2 delegates from 10. Chpt 90, Danbury, CT-36 promotions, retirement, or just tak- each chapter. Let’s show the Chapters with the most new initi- ing a vacation let us know, via country the strength of District ates in District #7 for 2008 email: [email protected] #7. HELP!! Us get to 20 dele- 1. Chpt 110 Norwich– 8 gates to represent our District. 2. Chpt 62 Bridgeport– 7 Reminder Start planning for July, so we can 3. Chpt 48 Waterbury– 6 To each chapter secretary, elect the first Supreme Vice 4. Chpt 245 Newport– 4 please mail a copy of your chapter President from our District in 40 5. Chpt 117 New Britain– 3 officers list to the District Secre- years. Also, we recognize tary. This is to help improve com- Chapter #48 munication between District and AHEPA Chapter #90 Waterbury for 22 Rein- each chapter. It is very important Danbury, CT statements the highest you get all the correspondence Chapter 90's film festival con- in District #7. from the District Governor and Dis- tinues in 2009 with the showing AHEPA national trict Secretary. A copy of the of of "Girl in Black" on Friday, Janu- membership totals your Chapter officer list should be ary 30, 2009, the program began 16,000 and has 540 chapters in sent to the Supreme Headquarters, at 7PM. The drama from director the United States, Canada, too. Michael Cacoyannis brought in- Greece, and Cyprus. ternational attention to the Greek

film industry and received the Did you know NATIONAL NEWS The official website of Yankee District Subscribe to the AHEPA National 1956 Golden Globe Award for #7 is www.ahepad7.org Weekly Newsletter email called best foreign film. Free admission, You can find a variety of forms, dates “This Week for ” go to complimentary pasta & salad buf- of events, copies of previous newsletters fet were provided to all that at- at this website. www.ahepa.org tended. 9 Spring 2009 Hellenic Cultural Corner

Theodoros Kolokotronis provisional government at Argos, just to the cavalryman cum Ancient Greek hoplite, he north, could not complete negotiations for its is also frequently depicted wearing the (Θεόδωρος Κολοκοτρώνης, 3 April surrender before a large Ottoman force began more traditional fustanella and other Greek 1770 - 15 February 1843) was a Greek marching southward to crush the rebels. Pan- accoutrements). general in the Greek War of Independ- icked, government officials abandoned Argos Later in the same year Kolokotronis's ence against the . and began evacuations by sea at Nafplio. political enemies in the Greek provisional Only an under-strength battalion under De- government, led by The Kolokotroneoi clan was a power- metrios Ypsilantis remained to hold Kastro had him imprisoned in the Palamidi with ful and respected clan in in the Larissa, the fortress of Argos. Dimitris Plapoutas in the same jail, but he 18th cen- Kolokotronis gathered the to- was released when an Egyptian army under tury. Their gether to march to the relief of Ypsilantis. the command of Ibrahim Pasha invaded the legend of This was quite a feat in itself, considering the . Ibrahim was fresh from fighting the pride and near-collapse of the government and the no- Wahhabi rebels in Arabia, and so was used insubordina- toriously quarrelsome nature of the klephtic to fighting guerrillas. His troops were armed tion is com- bands. Even the troublesome Souliots lent a with the most modern equipment and memorated hand. The Ottoman army from the north com- trained by European experts. The sultan in a well- manded by Mahmud Dramali Pasha, after had promised his father the island of Crete known folk taking Corinth, had marched to the plain of as an appanage for young Ibrahim if he song that survives from that time: Argos. The castle of Kastro Larissa was an could crush the rebels. With his eye on the Ahorse they go to church, Ahorse they excellent position, commanding the whole prize, he burned his way through the Pelo- kiss the icons, Ahorse they receive com- plain. To leave such a stronghold straddling ponnese, gaining much territory but little munion, From the priest's hand. Turkish supply lines was far too dangerous. sympathy from Western European public Kolokotronis was born at Ramavouni Dramali would have to reduce the fortress opinion, which in the long run proved disas- in Messenia, and grew up in Libovitsi in before moving on. Scaling the cliffs, breach- trous for the Turks. Arcadia. His father, Constantine Ko- ing the castle's stout walls, and overcoming After the war Kolokotronis became a lokotronis, took part in an armed rebel- its resolute defenders would be no easy task. supporter of Count and lion which was supported by Catherine Yet, there was one weakness Dramali was a proponent of alliance with Russia. When the Great of Russia, then was killed in an unaware of: this citadel, unlike the famous the count was assassinated 8 October 1831, engagement along with two of his broth- Acropolis in Athens, had no spring and conse- Kolokotronis created his own administration ers George and Harry. Theodoros joined quently fresh water had to be supplied from in support of Prince Otto of Bavaria as a the ranks of a Peloponnesian guerrilla cisterns. Unfortunately for the Greeks, it was king of Greece. However, later he opposed band, and by age fifteen was the leader July and no rains were falling to fill the cis- the Bavarian-dominated regency during his "kapetanios", of his own group. He had a terns. Ypsilantis bluffed the Turks as long as rule. He was charged with treason and on 7 brief stint at sea as a corsair, then in he could, but towards the end of the month June 1834 sentenced to death; but he was 1805 he took service on a series of ships had to sneak his men out in the middle of the pardoned in 1835. in the Russian fleet in the Russo-Turkish night. Dramali's men plundered the castle the died in 1843 in Athens. War. After 1810 served in a corps of next day, and he was now free to march them In the twilight of his life, Kolokotronis Greek infantry in English service on Za- toward the coast to resupply. (The Greeks had learned to write in order to complete kynthos, and was awarded the brevet had pursued a scorched earth policy, and the his memoirs, which have been a perennial rank of brigadier for his service against large Ottoman force was eating through its favorite in Greece and have been several the French. Zakynthos is in the Ionian food supplies rather quickly). Ypsilantis de- times translated into English and other lan- Islands, which were then a British protec- fense had bought Kolokotronis and the guages. Kolokotronis' famed helmet, along torate after being bandied about between klephts valuable time. with the rest of his arms and armor, may Venice, France and Russia during the To his dismay, Dramali found himself cut today be seen in the National History Mu- . Kolokotronis's service off from his supply fleet, which had intended seum of Greece in Athens. In addition to in the regular Russian and British forces, to land at Nafplio but was successfully block- the Nafplio statue mentioned earlier, there land and sea, would provide valuable aded by the Greek fleet under Admiral An- is another to be seen in Athens, in the fore- insights to be used later in his career. dreas Miaoulis. Dramali reluctantly decided court of the Old Parliament building on Sta- Kolokotronis returned to the mainland upon a retreat toward Corinth through the diou Street, near Syntagma Square just prior to the outbreak of the war Dervenaki Pass, through which he had just Reference: (officially, 25 March 1821) and formed a come unmolested. This was exactly what Ko- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodoros_Kol confederation of irregular Moreot lokotronis had been hoping for. In August okotronis bands. These he tried to train and organ- 1822 his quicker-moving guerrilla forces trapped the Turks in the pass and annihilated ize into something resembling a modern AHEPA District #7 Yankee News army. In May, he was named archis- them. A devastated Sultan Mahmud II in Con- trategos or Marshall Commander-in- stantinople was forced to turn to Muhammad Chief. He was already 50 years old by Ali, ruler of the nominally Ottoman pashaluk Editor-in Chief: John Grossomanides this time, a fact which contributed to his of for help. Assistant Editor: Alex Vlantes sobriquet O Geros tou Morea or "The The Greeks resumed the siege against the Elder of Moreas," whereby Morea was fortresses at Nafplio, which fell in December. Contributing Editor: Kip Kyprianou, Nick another name describing the Pelopon- Kolokotronis is said to have ridden his horse Nikas nese. Kolokotronis first action was the up the steep slopes of Kastro Palamidi to defense of , the village near Trip- celebrate his victory there; a statue in the Photographer: George Grossomanides oli where his army was mustering. town square commemorates the event. He is He next commanded Greek troops in the attired in something resembling the costume Email news to: [email protected] siege of the coastal town of Nafplio. He of a hussar topped with a plumed Corinthian took the port, and the Turkish garrison in helmet, which he was fond of wearing, and the town's twin citadels was running low which foreign Philhellenes were even fonder Next Yankee News on supplies, but the disorganized Greek of seeing him in. (While he seems to have Deadline is: May 1, 2009 enjoyed dressing like a Western European 10

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Honoring 2009 Life members in District #7 Save the Date: AHEPA District #7 Waterbury #48– Leo Stephen J. Rellas. New Britain #117– Spring Conference N. Lintgeris, Rev. Stamford #99– Matthew P. Curtis and Saturday, Stephen P. Natsis and James J. Cocolis, Arthur Alexander H Kounaris George Zikos. J. Constantine, Peter De- Meriden #126– John April 25, 2009 Hartford #58– Leo makos, Peter Paspalis, Pappas and Stathis 10AM-2PM Pappas, George Paul, James Poulos, Dr. Lam- Pappas. Bridgeport, CT and Dick Poulos. bros E. Siderides, and Newport #245– Ca- Holy Trinity Church Bridgeport #62– Vasilios Zaharis nelo J. Bartis, Constan- Christie Demetros, Victor Providence #106– tine Hologgitas, Peter K. Laliots, Gus Leventakos, Greg Demetrakas, Harold Lazar, Chris T. Ste- James Mellas, and Alex- Demopulos, Louis fanopoulos ander Vlantes. Dostou, Nicholas W. New London #250– Danbury #90– Mi- Janikies, Angelos Peter G.Pantelis Χριστός chael Zotos and Nicholas Maintanis, Emmanuel Norwalk #387– Chris Zotos. Mihailides, Ernest G. N. Papadopoulos and New Haven #98– Ed- Pappas, Eustace T. Pli- Harry Vasilacopoulos. Ανέστη ward Basel, Louis W. akas. Congratulations Basel, James G. Coclin, Norwich #110– Peter to our Life Members!!! George Faracles, Nicho- S. Demos and John G. 12 las Papadopoulos, and Grossomanides